Pilotprojekt: Mobile Krisen- und Lebensberatung 65+

Old age can be associated with substantial cognitive, physical and social changes that lead to increased vulnerability. Immobility, in particular, increases the risk of mental disorders emphasizing the need for specific psychological support services. The pilot project “Mobile Crisis and Life Counselling 65+” (mKLB 65+) was launched to close existing gaps in care.

Immobile older people are to be supported by free psychological counselling to stabilize themselves in mentally stressful life situations and to overcome acute crises. This also serves to prevent mental disorders. Counselling concepts that have already been tried and tested are adapted based on the identified needs of the target clientele.

Descriptive data and questions on life satisfaction and the usefulness of the counselling were collected to describe the target group and evaluate the results of the counselling. The surveys were conducted before and after the counselling sessions and in a follow-up after 2–3 months. The results are based on a sample of 48 counselling sessions.

The clientele consisted mainly of single very old women with physical and mental problems. Most of the clients found the counselling helpful. An improvement in life satisfaction was observed in approximately half of the clients.

There is a need for outreach psychological counselling services for older people. A closer networking with other players in the support system and simultaneous differentiation of the areas of responsibility are crucial in order to maximize the effectiveness of such services. The long-term integration of counselling services into existing care systems is desirable as is the targeted use of pilots who refer older people to needs-based services.